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In the spirit of International Women’s Day, Naija Feminists Media (NFM), in collaboration with Development for Underserved Communities (DUC) Foundation, supports petty traders in the Kubwa community in Abuja with 7,000 packaging materials for their small businesses.
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is focused on recognising the achievements and struggles of women while also advocating for gender equality. This year’s project is themed “Give to Gain,” centres on giving women resources, opportunities, education, visibility, and support, leading to stronger communities, better economies, and greater gender justice. It also emphasises the power of generosity, collaboration, and support.
In line with this year’s theme, NFM and the DUC Foundation empowered grassroots women who rely on small-scale trading for their livelihoods. The National Survey on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector shows that MSMEs contribute about 46-49% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making them a major driver of the country’s economy.
As such, ten petty traders benefited from the packaging materials scheme, including young and older women who sell local food such as plantains and akara, those who sell fruits such as banana, Okpa (Bambara nut), and corn, as well as those who sell drinks such as kunu, zobo, and soda
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Each trader was given seven packs of packaging material, totalling 700 nylon each. The materials will indirectly benefit an estimated 7,000 customers/community members in Kubawa.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Naija Feminists Media’s founder, Simbiat Bakare, emphasised that it is a form of economic empowerment targeted at women, a key part of NFM’s goal to advance gender equality and DUC Foundation’s mission to support the underserved community.
“Large business owners increasingly charge for nylons, especially supermarkets. Yet these small business owners, whose profit margins are small, still have to give nylons to customers for free,” Simbiat said, explaining the rationale behind the project. “By supporting these women’s businesses at the grassroots level, the initiative reflects the core message of this year’s IWD theme, which is giving others to increase their gain.”
The packaging materials will reduce the burden of purchasing nylons, a key material used in their trade, thereby helping them maximise their profits. Beneficiaries of the packaging materials expressed joy upon receiving them, with some dancing and others immediately using them for their sales.
About Naija Feminists Media
Naija Feminists Media (NFM) is a Nigerian feminist media organisation that works at the intersection of journalism, advocacy, and gender justice. The platform produces feminist news, investigative stories, and digital conversations aimed at challenging harmful gender stereotypes, exposing systemic patriarchy, and amplifying the voices of African women. Through storytelling, campaigns, media advocacy, and community engagement, NFM seeks to make feminism more visible and mainstream in Nigeria, while advancing gender equality
About Development for Underserved Communities Foundation
The Development for Underserved Communities Foundation (DUC) is a nonprofit organisation focused on supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities through humanitarian and development initiatives. The foundation works to improve livelihoods by promoting community empowerment, providing economic support, and implementing social interventions to address poverty and inequality. Through partnerships and grassroots outreach programmes, the organisation provides resources, skills support, and community-based solutions to improve the well-being and resilience of underserved populations.
